Royal Caribbean's Beverage Policy: What's Allowed and What Isn't
Royal Caribbean allows you to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages on board, including soda, but with specific limits. You can pack up to 12 standard cans or bottles of non-alcoholic drinks per person in your carry-on luggage when you board the ship. This means soda, juice, water, and energy drinks are permitted — but the quantity matters, and there are rules about where you can bring them.
The 12-container limit applies to your embarkation day only. Once you're on the ship, you cannot bring additional beverages from ports of call back to your cabin. If you try to bring soda or other drinks purchased at a port, crew members will confiscate them at security when you reboard. This policy exists partly to protect the ship's beverage revenue and partly to manage what's stored in cabins.
Alcoholic beverages have stricter rules. You cannot bring any alcohol on board, and any bottles found during security screening will be removed. Some cruise lines allow you to purchase alcohol at ports and have it delivered to your cabin on the final night, but Royal Caribbean does not offer this option — alcohol brought aboard at any point will be taken away.
Key Takeaways
- You can bring up to 12 cans or bottles of non-alcoholic drinks per person on embarkation day in your carry-on bag.
- Soda, juice, water, and energy drinks are all permitted under this policy.
- You cannot bring beverages back to your cabin from ports of call — they will be confiscated at security.
- No alcohol of any kind is allowed on board, and bottles will be removed during security screening.
- The 12-container limit resets only at the start of each cruise; you cannot accumulate allowances across multiple days.
How the 12-Container Rule Works in Practice
The limit of 12 containers per person means a family of four can bring 48 total cans or bottles on embarkation day. A "container" is one standard can (12 ounces) or one standard bottle. Two-liter bottles count as one container each, so bringing a couple of large bottles is an efficient way to use your allowance if you're traveling with others who will share.
You must pack these beverages in your carry-on luggage — not checked bags. Security will screen your carry-on at the terminal before you board, and any drinks beyond the 12-container limit will be removed. The best approach is to pack your soda in a small cooler or insulated bag within your carry-on, since the drinks will be warm by the time you reach your cabin otherwise.
Once you're in your cabin, you can store the soda in the mini-fridge if there's space, or keep it at room temperature. Royal Caribbean does not charge you for storing your own beverages in your cabin, and crew members will not remove them during housekeeping.
What Happens If You Buy Soda at a Port
If you purchase soda or other non-alcoholic drinks at a port of call and try to bring them back to the ship, security will confiscate them when you reboard. This applies even if you bought the drinks just a few hours earlier. The policy is enforced consistently across all ports, whether you're docking in the Caribbean, Mexico, or Alaska.
The reason for this rule is that Royal Caribbean wants to control beverage sales on the ship. Drinks purchased on board are more expensive than what you'd pay in a port, and the cruise line has a financial incentive to discourage outside beverages after embarkation day. While it may feel restrictive, the policy is clearly stated in the terms and conditions you receive when you book.
If you're concerned about running out of soda during your cruise, the best strategy is to bring your full 12-container allowance on day one. You can also purchase beverages from the ship's shops and bars at any time during the voyage.
Beverage Packages and Alternatives to Bringing Your Own
Royal Caribbean offers a Refreshment Package that includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages for the duration of your cruise. This package covers soda, juice, coffee, tea, and bottled water at all bars and restaurants on the ship. The cost varies by cruise length and when you purchase it, but buying it before your cruise is cheaper than purchasing drinks individually on board.
If you don't purchase a beverage package, you can still order soda at any bar or restaurant and pay per drink. A single soda typically costs between $3 and $5 on the ship, depending on the venue. Over a week-long cruise, this adds up quickly if you drink multiple sodas per day, which is why many cruisers either bring their 12 containers or buy the package in advance.
Water is free at all dining venues and from the purser's desk, so you don't need to bring bottled water if you're comfortable drinking tap water. Royal Caribbean's tap water is safe and regularly tested.
Packing Tips for Your Soda on Embarkation Day
Pack your soda in a small, soft-sided cooler or insulated lunch bag that fits inside your carry-on. This keeps the drinks cold longer and makes them easier to transport through the terminal. Avoid packing glass bottles if possible — cans are lighter and take up less space, and they're less likely to break during handling.
Arrive at the terminal early on embarkation day so you have time to go through security without rushing. If security questions your beverages, straightforward explain that you're bringing them for your cabin. Security staff are familiar with this policy and will count your containers quickly.
If you're traveling with children, consider bringing juice boxes or smaller bottles that are easier for them to handle. These count toward your 12-container limit just like full-size cans do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring diet soda or sugar-free drinks?
Yes. Diet soda, zero-sugar energy drinks, and any other non-alcoholic beverages are permitted under the same 12-container limit as regular soda. The policy does not distinguish between drink types as long as they contain no alcohol.
What if I'm traveling with a baby or toddler — can I bring formula or baby juice?
Yes. Baby formula, breast milk, and baby juice are exempt from the 12-container limit. You can bring as much as you need for your child. Bring documentation or be prepared to explain what the beverages are if security asks.
Do I lose my 12 containers if I don't use them all on the first day?
Yes. The 12-container allowance applies only to embarkation day. Once you board the ship, you cannot bring additional beverages from ports or from the ship's shops back to your cabin. You can only drink what you brought on day one or purchase beverages on board.
Can I bring soda in my checked luggage instead of carry-on?
Royal Caribbean's policy specifies carry-on luggage only. Beverages in checked bags may be removed during baggage screening, and the cruise line does not may provide they will be delivered to your cabin. Carry-on is the safest option.
What if I'm on a back-to-back cruise — do I get 12 containers for each cruise?
Yes. Each cruise is treated separately, so if you're doing two consecutive cruises, you get a new 12-container allowance when you board the second ship. However, you cannot bring beverages from the first ship to the second ship — they must be consumed or discarded before you disembark.